Everything You Need to Know About Using Colloidal Oatmeal for Skin

You might think of oatmeal as a breakfast staple, but this common grain has actually served as a key ingredient in skincare for decades. It’s heralded for its ability to make your skin super soft and supple and even has some anti-inflammatory perks and barrier-boosting benefits. Keep scrolling to learn about using colloidal oatmeal for skin, how it differs from regular oatmeal, and how this natural ingredient can benefit your own complexion.

What Is Colloidal Oatmeal? 

Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal that’s then dispersed into a liquid. The milling process extracts the ingredients rich in phytochemicals, which are responsible for the beneficial actions of avena sativa, explains Kseniya Kobets, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care. 

Putting the ultrafine powder into a liquid enhances the oats’ ability to disperse evenly in solutions like lotions and creams. Regular oatmeal, whether whole or rolled, doesn’t undergo this specialized processing so the nutrients aren’t as well extracted and it’s not as elegant in terms of formulta texture or results.

3 Key Benefits of Using Colloidal Oatmeal for Skin

Colloidal oatmeal may not sound like the most glamorous of skincare ingredients—especially when lined up against shiny peptides, retinoids, and acids—but it packs some pretty notable benefits that’ve been proven through studies and research. 

1. Supports the Skin Barrier and Microbiome 

This ingredient is a boon to your skin’s barrier function and integrity, Dr. Kobets says. It also can improve the microbiome of the skin through its anti-inflammatory functions,  skin soothing abilities. 

“One study showed that colloidal oatmeal containing cream balanced the pH of the skin, as well as reduced bacterial colonization of the skin balancing out the skin’s microbiome,” Dr. Kobets says.

2. Soothes Sensitive and Irritated Skin 

Using colloidal oatmeal in skincare can offer a range of benefits, especially for those with inflammatory skin conditions, notes Angelia Inscoe, aesthetician and founder of The A Method. She says, “It’s known to soothe a variety of skin issues, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dry skin, and reactions to irritants like insect bites or plants such as poison ivy.” 

3. Improves Hydration 

Another benefit of using colloidal oatmeal is that his ingredient is a powerhouse when it comes to hydrating the skin and locking in moisture. A 2020 study showed it also decreased transepidermal water loss by improving the skin barrier function. This not only improves comfort and appearance, but can even minimize the look of fine lines and lend to some luminosity. 

How to Use Colloidal Oatmeal on Your Skin

Colloidal oatmeal is a standout hero among other soothing ingredients due to its natural healing properties and supreme gentleness. It’s great for those who want to improve hydration or rebalance their skin, and can be used on even the most sensitive complexions. 

Inscoe recommends purchasing an already formulated product with colloidal oatmeal versus trying to DIY your own. The milling process extracts those vital nutrients so you can benefit from the ingredient even more, and suspending it in liquid ensures an even application. (If you do want to try your own recipe, Dr. Kobets says to use finely milled oatmeal in a bath and soak in it.) 

Typically, products formulated with colloidal oatmeal include lotions, creams, and serums. Some good examples include Murad Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment ($49, Murad), Aveeno Eczema Therapy Rescue Relief Treatment Gel Cream with Colloidal Oatmeal ($14.99, Amazon), and Soft Services Carea Cream Daily Softening Lotion ($40, Soft Services). 

You can incorporate these into your skincare routine per usual, following the correct order of skincare application (thinnest to thickest). Inscoe says it also makes a great pairing with ingredients that can be irritating, such as retinoids, acids, and enzymes.